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Robert Kent Goolsby
August 14, 1944 – October 5, 2021
Charlotte, NC – Robert Kent Goolsby, 77, passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Born in Lynchburg, Va. To the late Robert “Bill” Beverly and Beulah (Winebarger) Goolsby, Kent graduated from high school Boonsboro in Boonsboro, VA and went on to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Virginia State University earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in urban planning.
Kent served in the United States Army up to the rank of lieutenant. During his time in the military, Kent served as an officer in the prestigious Old Guard linked to the White House and Arlington Cemetery. He went on to serve as a platoon leader in Vietnam, winning numerous medals, including a Bronze Star and a Silver Star. The Silver Star, the Army’s third highest honor, was awarded to Kent in 1969 for having distinguished himself by advancing under heavy enemy fire to assume a sniper position with a well-placed grenade . For those who knew Kent, it wouldn’t come as a surprise.
Returning from Vietnam in 1969 was not a picnic, but over the years Kent took great pride in his service and reconnected with many Vietnamese veterans from the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry in which he served. served. Kent’s admiration for the military continues through the monument he designed for the Korean War Memorial at Mint Hill, the first memorial in North Carolina dedicated solely to Korean War veterans.
In 1972 Kent moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to pursue a job in architecture where he met his wife Patricia (Pat). Married on October 6, 1973, they would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this year.
During his architectural career, Kent worked in several Charlotte area firms, as a director at JN Pease Architecture before setting up his own firm. He loved being an architect and continued to practice until his death.
Throughout his life Kent has found his greatest joy in his family and in the many friendships he has maintained over the years. He was extremely proud of his two daughters who grew up to embody the same kindness, courage and initiative that defined Kent. Kent has always loved to share his knowledge and inspire curiosity in the next generation. In his mind, it was a “job well done”. Affectionately known as “Big Dude” Kent loved spending time with his grandchildren going to the beach, going for a flashlight walk at night, swinging in the hammock and all the other things. idiots he could think of.
Kent enjoyed traveling the world, as well as enjoying his many trips to his hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia, where he kept in touch with family and many longtime friends. No matter what or where, Kent was always ready for the next adventure.
Described by his friends as the quintessential southern gentleman, Kent was kind, caring, and eager to help people however he could. He was a man of service. No matter what needed to be done, what occasions to celebrate, Kent always presented himself. He was a man of many talents, a true Renaissance man. Whatever Kent doesn’t know how to do, he has learned to do it. It is almost impossible to sum up a life so well lived. Kent leaves a big, big hole and will be sadly missed by his family and the many friends who loved him.
A member of the Boonsboro Methodist Church, throughout his childhood, while in Charlotte, Kent attended Trinity Presbyterian Church for many years as an elder. He also attended Forest Hills Church and others wherever a good sermon took him.
Kent is survived by his wife, Patricia (Pat) Haley Goolsby; daughters, Erin Cassell and her husband, Robert (London, UK) and Lauren Freeman and her husband, Nick (Charlotte, North Carolina); grandchildren, Evelyn Cassell, Dexter Cassell, Harper Cassell, and last grandson Lucas Kent Freeman born October 6, 2021. Brother Reginald “Reggie” Goolsby and wife Patsy also survive; nephews Clint Goolsby and his wife, Amy, Jason Goolsby and his wife, Lisa; niece, Wendy Jamerson and her husband, Greg all of Lynchburg, Virginia, as well as many great nieces and nephews whom he all dearly cherished.
A memorial service will be scheduled in Kent later this year for family and friends, Covid precautions permitting.
Kent will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.
Memorials may be offered in memory of Kent to Community Home Care & Hospice, 156 Corporate Blvd., Indian Trail, NC 28079 or Boonsboro Methodist Church at 6205 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503.
Arrangements are made with Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
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August 14, 1944 – October 5, 2021
Charlotte, NC – Robert Kent Goolsby, 77, passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021. Born in Lynchburg, Va. To the late Robert “Bill” Beverly and Beulah (Winebarger) Goolsby, Kent graduated from high school Boonsboro in Boonsboro, VA and went on to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Virginia State University earning a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in urban planning.
Kent served in the United States Army up to the rank of lieutenant. During his time in the military, Kent served as an officer in the prestigious Old Guard linked to the White House and Arlington Cemetery. He went on to serve as a platoon leader in Vietnam, winning numerous medals, including a Bronze Star and a Silver Star. The Silver Star, the Army’s third highest honor, was awarded to Kent in 1969 for having distinguished himself by advancing under heavy enemy fire to assume a sniper position with a well-placed grenade . For those who knew Kent, it wouldn’t come as a surprise.
Returning from Vietnam in 1969 was not a picnic, but over the years Kent took great pride in his service and reconnected with many Vietnamese veterans from the 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry in which he served. served. Kent’s admiration for the military continues through the monument he designed for the Korean War Memorial at Mint Hill, the first memorial in North Carolina dedicated solely to Korean War veterans.
In 1972 Kent moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to pursue a job in architecture where he met his wife Patricia (Pat). Married on October 6, 1973, they would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this year.
During his architectural career, Kent worked in several Charlotte area firms, as a director at JN Pease Architecture before setting up his own firm. He loved being an architect and continued to practice until his death.
Throughout his life Kent has found his greatest joy in his family and in the many friendships he has maintained over the years. He was extremely proud of his two daughters who grew up to embody the same kindness, courage and initiative that defined Kent. Kent has always loved to share his knowledge and inspire curiosity in the next generation. In his mind, it was a “job well done”. Affectionately known as “Big Dude” Kent loved spending time with his grandchildren going to the beach, going for a flashlight walk at night, swinging in the hammock and all the other things. idiots he could think of.
Kent enjoyed traveling the world, as well as enjoying his many trips to his hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia, where he kept in touch with family and many longtime friends. No matter what or where, Kent was always ready for the next adventure.
Described by his friends as the quintessential southern gentleman, Kent was kind, caring, and eager to help people however he could. He was a man of service. No matter what needed to be done, what occasions to celebrate, Kent always presented himself. He was a man of many talents, a true Renaissance man. Whatever Kent doesn’t know how to do, he has learned to do it. It is almost impossible to sum up a life so well lived. Kent leaves a big, big hole and will be sadly missed by his family and the many friends who loved him.
A member of the Boonsboro Methodist Church, throughout his childhood, while in Charlotte, Kent attended Trinity Presbyterian Church for many years as an elder. He also attended Forest Hills Church and others wherever a good sermon took him.
Kent is survived by his wife, Patricia (Pat) Haley Goolsby; daughters, Erin Cassell and her husband, Robert (London, UK) and Lauren Freeman and her husband, Nick (Charlotte, North Carolina); grandchildren, Evelyn Cassell, Dexter Cassell, Harper Cassell, and last grandson Lucas Kent Freeman born October 6, 2021. Brother Reginald “Reggie” Goolsby and wife Patsy also survive; nephews Clint Goolsby and his wife, Amy, Jason Goolsby and his wife, Lisa; niece, Wendy Jamerson and her husband, Greg all of Lynchburg, Virginia, as well as many great nieces and nephews whom he all dearly cherished.
A memorial service will be scheduled in Kent later this year for family and friends, Covid precautions permitting.
Kent will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.
Memorials may be offered in memory of Kent to Community Home Care & Hospice, 156 Corporate Blvd., Indian Trail, NC 28079 or Boonsboro Methodist Church at 6205 Boonsboro Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503.
Arrangements are made with Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Posted by Charlotte Observer on October 17, 2021.
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